Frequently Asked Questions
- General Information
How can I get involved in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup? - My group/organization has been doing cleanups for years. Why should I join the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup?
- The TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is about removing garbage from coastal beaches. What does it have to do with the prairies, Ontario, or Quebec?
- Why isn't the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup held in the spring?
- Why is there a deadline for registration?
- There is a shoreline that really needs to have a cleanup but I don't have time to help out, what should I do?
- Why is no cleanup listed for my city/area?
- Cleanup Information
- How long do cleanups last? What distance do they cover?
- Is there financial support available for individual cleanups?
- How are cleanup sites chosen/assigned? What should I look for in a potential cleanup site?
- What if the site I want to clean up is taken by another group?
- Why is it necessary for newly submitted sites to be reviewed first?
- Participant Information
- Site Coordinator Information
- How large does my cleanup group have to be?
- What kind of cleanup supplies does the Vancouver Aquarium provide for participants?
- How soon after I register can I expect to receive my package of supplies?
- I'm not available during the third week of September. Can I schedule my cleanup earlier/later?
- Will my group be cleaning algae, driftwood, or other naturally occurring materials during our cleanup?
- What should we do if our group comes across oil or other toxic substances during our cleanup?
How can I get involved in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup?
You can register as a Site Coordinator and organize your own cleanup, or search for an event already being organized in your community and volunteer as a Participant. Click here for more information.
back to topThe Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, and it involves more than just removing litter. Participants also collect data on the types of debris found along their shoreline, and the activities that produce this debris. The Ocean Conservancy, host of the International Coastal Cleanup, uses this information to target, through education and legislation, those behaviours that lead to the pollution of our watersheds and coastlines. By joining the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup you will be contributing to an international effort to reduce the amount of litter that enters our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Click here for more information.
back to topThe TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is about removing garbage from ALL shorelines in all of the 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada. This includes rivers, lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. According to Canada's National Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (NPA), 80% of the debris that ends up on our coastal shores originates inland. This underscores the need to remove garbage before it enters our rivers and lakes. Click here for more information.
back to topWhy isn't the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup held in the spring?
The TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is one of the largest contributors to the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), which takes place in late September. The program is scheduled for the third week in September to coincide with the ICC.
back to topWhile we want to have as many participants as possible involved in the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, we are not able to make all the necessary waste removal arrangements and provide the supplies after a certain date. The deadline for group registration is Aug. 31. Click here for more information.
back to topYou are encouraged to submit a site to us through the web site. This will allow other concerned citizens to register for a cleanup at that specific location. Please make sure that you include detailed information so we can locate the site and make sure it isn't listed under a different name.
back to topIf no cleanup is listed for your area it's because no one has chosen to organize one yet. To find out what's involved in becoming a site coordinator, please consult the Get Involved - Organize Your Own Cleanup! page for more information.
back to topThere is no set length of time or distance for a shoreline cleanup, as this will vary according to the group, location, and amount of shoreline litter. A cleanup is a fun and rewarding event, and the Site Coordinator will help determine the amount of time and length of shoreline that is most convenient for the group.
back to topIs there financial support available for individual cleanups?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide financial support for individual cleanups, however many past site coordinators have obtained donations from outside sources such as municipalities and local businesses.
back to topHow are cleanup sites chosen/assigned? What should I look for in a potential cleanup site?
Site coordinators can choose a cleanup location from a list of approved sites on our website, or suggest one of their own. Cleanup locations must be easily accessible and safe for all participants. If you wish to register a cleanup for a site that is not familiar to you, please check it out ahead of time to see that it is appropriate for your group.
back to topWhat if the site I want to clean up is taken by another group?
If the site you wanted to clean is already registered, check to see if that group is accepting additional participants. If so, you can join the cleanup as a participant. If not, you can either search for other locations listed in the area or submit a new cleanup site for consideration. If you would like to contact the person who is currently registered for that location to discuss the possibility of working together, please call the Shoreline Cleanup office.
back to topWhy is it necessary for newly submitted sites to be reviewed first?
Any newly submitted site must first undergo an approval process before being added to our list of available cleanups. We will make sure the suggested site is not already listed in our system so that cleanup efforts aren't duplicated.
back to topIs there an age limit for participants in the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup?
There is no age limit for cleanup participants, however Site Coordinators must be 19 years of age or older.
back to topYes, it can. Participating in the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is a great way to fulfill your community service requirement!
back to topWill someone from the Vancouver Aquarium be attending my cleanup?
Unfortunately, TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup staff are unable to attend individual cleanups. However, the Vancouver Aquarium hosts several cleanups in the cities where regional coordinators are located, and staff members are present at these.
back to topHow large does my cleanup group have to be?
Your cleanup group may be as large or as small as you wish. In the past, groups have ranged in size from 1 individual to over 600! If you would like new people to join your cleanup, simply indicate that your event is open to participants.
back to topWhat kind of cleanup supplies does the Vancouver Aquarium provide for participants?
All registered groups are provided with Data Cards and pencils, a Site Coordinator Manual (with helpful hints, reminders, backgrounders and information so that you can plan your best event), latex gloves, garbage bags, clear bags for recyclables, and a site coordinator t-shirt. The t-shirt allows your group to see you on the shoreline!
back to topHow soon after I register can I expect to receive my package of supplies?
Supply packages are mailed weekly from the Vancouver Aquarium in July and August. If you have not received your supplies by August 25, please contact us toll free at 1-877-427-2422 or shorelinecleanup@vanaqua.org.
back to topI'm not available during the third week of September. Can I schedule my cleanup earlier/later?
We understand that September is a very busy month for people, and have tried to accommodate this by having the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup run for the full week. If you would really like to participate, but cannot during this time period, please contact us directly to discuss alternatives.
back to topWill my group be cleaning algae, driftwood, or other naturally occurring materials during our cleanup?
No. The TD Great Canadian Cleanup is focused only on reducing human-produced litter from our environments. If any natural elements are removed, the sensitive balance of your aquatic ecosystem may be negatively affected. We encourage you to contact your municipality or provincial environmental ministry if you have any specific concerns regarding your shoreline, including the presence of blue-green algae.
back to topWhat should we do if our group comes across oil or other toxic substances during our cleanup?
Chemical pollution and oil spills are outside the scope of the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Please report any dangerous waste to your local authorities.
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